Sunday, August 28, 2005

Preparations Update

Everything is now secured except for our two main entrances to the house, these will be boarded completely shut. Part of our dilemma is to try and figure out which direction the strongest winds will be coming from and for the longest period of time in order to double up those defenses. So we're having to hold lumber in reserve until we know whether Katrina will pass to our east or west.

The first early rain band passed through -- easily 40 knot gusts and monsoon like rain for twenty minutes. It has already gotten very dark.

Worried about the people in line for the Superdome. If even a minor band comes through there could be some issues with people starting to lose it. Tensions are rising and VERY palpable. Even our dog is wigging out.

I fear Grand Isle will be completely lost. I'm sure that the Chandeleur Islands, and off the coast of MS, Cat Island & Ship Island will probably be severly impacted.

Finally saw our first Sheriff's cruiser patroling around.

More later... After dark I will have some time to compose a larger piece.

Thanks for the posts, TAG. I'm here in the other Bayou City, Houston, awaiting the arrival of several Crescent City refugees. A couple found a room in Lake Charles, four more are stuck in traffic, and two are unaccounted for, due to the overwhelming of the cell towers along I-10.

I'll hoist a rum and coke for you, and promise to come to NO after the storm to help in any way I can.

That's sad that someone has already used your website as a advertistment.

Anyway, I'm here from Houston and will be listening through the night. I am wondering what type of cell phone you have... a regular phone will most likely die when the power goes out. The towers just accept the signal and then send it through landlines. At least to my knowledge... A satilitte phone might breakup through the storm.. but this does make me wonder... be back later after I do some research on the subject.. now I wonder.

my wife and I down here in South Texas will be praying for you tonight and in the morning.......you have a good old house to ride out the wind, I don't know your situation with rising water....I sat thru a devastating Celia in 1970, and I can tell you the clean up afterwards is a helluva lot of work. I hope you have extra chainsaw blades already. Stay away from windows if the trees start to uproot or break off. Fill your bathtubs with good water.And hug your mom.

We send your family all good vibes and hopefully you will get to see the awesome power of nature without too much stress.Good Luck! and Peace be with you.